VW relocates to new Southeast port

Auto company Volkswagen will transport cars through JaxPort.    Volkswagen Group of America will switch its Southeastern import hub from the Port of Brunswick, Ga. to the Port of Jacksonville on May 1. The auto maker already uses JaxPort to export Passats made at its Chattanooga, Tenn., plant and eventually will ship its new seven-passenger SUV, built at the same factory, from Jacksonville
   AMPORTS, one of three vehicle processors that operate at the port, will handle discharge, vehicle preparation and distribution of Volkswagen, Audi and Bentley vehicles from its 85-acre facility on Blount Island. 
   Volkswagen said it plans to import 100,000 cars within a year and about 550,000 units in the next five years through JaxPort.
   The manufacturer said Florida is its second largest market after California and that using JaxPort will enable the company to bring vehicles closer to its customers. Cars, such as the Golf and Golf GTI, will also be distributed to Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi.
   Gov. Rick Scott, whose administration has an aggressive port and logistics development strategy, said Volkswagen’s relocation will create 100 jobs in the region. 
   “Florida’s ports are one of the many reasons why companies are choosing our state as the best place to grow their business. That’s why our ‘Keep Florida Working’ budget recommends more than $109 million in seaport infrastructure improvements so Florida can keep working to provide the resources companies like Volkswagen need to succeed in our great state,” he said at a ceremony at JaxPort.
   Jacksonville ranks as the nation’s largest port for vehicle exports. In fiscal year 2014, ended Sept. 30, it handled 609,150 units compared to 631,000 the year before. 
   Late last year, Honda began exporting two models to the Middle East through JaxPort.
   Port Canaveral, about 150 miles south of Jacksonville, was competing for the VW business. If successful, the port authority planned to build a seven-story, multi-user garage that would accommodate 7,500 vehicles and a nearby 60,000-square foot processing complex. A garage would have been unique and more expensive because ports typically park cars on large lots.
   Port Canaveral CEO John told Florida Today that he isn’t giving up on attracting import/export business from other auto manufacturers. So far the port has spent $1.5 million on design work for the facility, but is unlikely to construct anything until it has a secure contract.